traditional local technologies

RICE FLAKE (CHENGPAK)

Preparation of Chengpak

Rice Flake popularly known as 'Chengpak' in Manipur and other state in the north-eastern region is a staple food of the people and is used in ritual ceremony. It is a wholesome food and has good nutritional value. Chengpak can be taken in different forms viz, raw, fried, soaked and it also can be taken by mixing together with milk, sugar and banana (known as Fola).

Market potential

In the north-eastern region, chengpak is popular mainly in Assam and Manipur. Out of the total estimated population of 340 lakhs in the north-eastern region about 200 lakh may be considered to be livifg in Assam and Manipur. Assuming an average per capita consumption of 2 kg, total demand for 'Chengpak' is estimated at 40,000/- tonnes per year. There are a few units making 'Chengpak' and their production is not adequate to meet to the demand of the local population.

Raw materials

The only raw material required is paddy.

Equipments required

The equipments required for making the flatten rice are:

- Rice flaking machine also known as the Pauda Machine

- Large Khang (a large frying pan)

- Oven (a large one)

- Large bucket, tub, etc.

- Cane basket, Yangkok (a large rounded cane basket used to make out the husk).

Process

    The main steps are:
            -     drenching or dipping the paddy in order to take out the floated paddy husk.
            -     boiling the paddy for an hour and let it cool down.
            -     taking out the soaked paddy in heated khang.
            -     milling of dried paddy to flatten rice.
            -     cleaning with the help of yangkok.

Machinery

The only machinery required is the Chengpak making machine. Besided, khang and heating facility are required.

Infrastructure

The main infrastructural facilities required are-

      -     Building/shed        200 sq. ft.
-     Water                     Nominal
-     Power                    Diesel

Types of Chengpak:

Apakpa(flatten) and Apumba(not so beaten)

Per capita income of the Chengpak makers:

They can earn Rs. 200/- in a day and so their annual income is Rs. 72,000/-.

Some important information regarding Chengpak:

The cost of the Chengpak is Rs. 20/kg in the market and Rs 18.50/kg in the manufacturing place. In a day they can produce 2 or 3 sacks of Chengpak. The Chengpak is highly demanded and its market is a success one. The paddy is of some special types which can be mentioned as KD(Kedi), Daran, etc. which are soft and produce more.

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Contact address of the Chengpak makers

1. Laishram Nevichandra Singh
    C/o Pukhrambam Raghu Singh
    Khurai Lairikyengbam Makha Leikai
    P.O.Lamlong Bazar, Imphal East-795010, Manipur

2. Palungbam Ranjit Roy
Khurai Lairikyengbam Makha Leikai
P.O.Lamlong Bazar, Imphal East-795010, Manipur

3. Yungkham Durgesh Roy
Khurai Lairikyengbam Mamang Leikai
P.O.Lamlong Bazar, Imphal East-795010, Manipur

4. Chanathabam Tolen
Khurai Lairikyengbam Makha Leikai
P.O.Lamlong Bazar, Imphal East-795010

5. Sapam Romen
Khurai Salanthong
P.O.Lamlong Bazar, Imphal East-795010, Manipur

6. Pebam Unita Devi
Khurai Lairikyengbam Makha Leikai
P.O.Lamlong Bazar, Imphal East-795001, Manipur